Vacuum type valve-equipped containers



March 8, 1960 M. R. METZGER 2,927,722

vAcuuM TYPE vALvE-EQUIPPED CONTAINERS Filed Nov. 1o. 1954 United States Patent l VACUUM TYPE VALVE-EQUIPPED CONTAINERS Melvin R. Metzger, Cincinnati, (,)hio Application November 10, 1954, Serial ',No. 467,978

` s claims. 031.229-625) The present invention relates generally to valveequipped containers. More particularly, the invention relates to that type of container which is designed primarily for use in merchandising a commodity and as its components or parts comprises: (l) a hollow body which is adapted to contain the commodity, is formed of comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, plastic film, serves when the air within it is evacuated to form a so-called vacuum pack for the commodity, and is closed throughout except for a small sized opening in one portion thereof; and (2) a check valve which is associated with the opening in the one portion of the body, is adapted when the container after receiving the commodity is placed in a vacuum chamber or has a suction cup applied to its opening defining portion automatically to assume an open position wherein it establishes communication between the body interior and the vacuum chamber or the interior of the suction cup and permits egress of air from the container body, and'is further adapted upon release of the vacuum in the chamber or the suction cup automatically to assume a closed position wherein it seals the opening in the container body and thus maintains the vacuum in the body.

One object of the invention is to provide a valveequipped container which is an improvement upon, and has certain inherent advantages over, previously designed containers of the aforementioned type and is characterized by the fact that the check valve thereof is of simple and novel design, possesses high efficiency, and is capable of being produced or fabricated at an extremely low cost.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valveequipped container of the type under consideration in which the check valve thereof comprises a member which is formed of comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, plastic" film, extends across the opening in the body and over the opening defining portion of the body, embodies on its inner surface a normally continuous coating of rubber-resin, permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive whereby it is adhesively connected to the opening defining portion of the body, is adapted in connection with a body vacuumizing operation to move a small distance away from the body and thus cause the formation Iof minute air escape ducts in the adhesive coating, and is further adapted at the end of the vacuumizing operation to be forced by the pressure of the surrounding or ambient air back against the opening defining portion of the body in such manner as to eliminate the minute air escape ducts and thus reestablish the continuity and sealing properties of the adhesive coating and effect sealing of the opening in the body.

A further object of the invention is to provide a vacuum type valve-equipped container which is generally of new and improved construction and effectively and efficiently fulfills its intended purpose.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantagesand characteristics of the present vacuum type lideration of the following detailed description.

"The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawing which accompanies and forms a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a valve-equipped container embodying one form of the invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged section on the line 2 2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the check valve of the container of Figures l and 2 separated from the opening defining portion of the container body;

Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a valve-equipped container embodying a second or modified form of the invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged section on the line 5-5 of Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing in separated relation the components or parts of the check valve of the container of Figures 4 and 5.

The container which is shown in Figures lpto 3, inclusive, of the drawing constitutes one form or embodiment of the invention.` It is designed primarily for merchandising in a vacuumized condition a commodity such as a perishable comestible and consists of but two parts, namely, a hollow body 7 and a check valve 8.

The body 7 is formed of smooth comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, plastic film, such, for example, as cellophane, Plioflm, polyethylene or Saran and may be of any desired shape or configuration. As shown in the drawing, the body 7 consists of a rectangular upper member 10 and a separately formed rectangular lower member 11. The two members are the same in size and are arranged in superposed and registering relation. The four marginal portions of the upper body member 10 are arranged in face contact with the subjacent four marginal portions of the lower body member 11 and are connected thereto in any suitable manner in order that the body is sealed except for the hereinafter described opening. It is contemplated that in fabricating the body 7, the upper and lower body members will be connected along only three of their marginal portions in order that there will be a marginal opening through which the oommodity to be merchandised may be inserted into the interior of the body. It is also contemplated that after the commodity has been inserted into the body, the fourth marginal portions of the upper and lower body members will be connected together in order to close the body and thus fully enclose the commodity. The body 7 is closed throughout except for a small sized opening 12 in the upper body member 10. Such opening is located in the central portion of the upper body member and is preferably circular.

The check valve 8 of the container of Figures 1 to 3. inclusive, is located or positioned on top of the central portion of the upper member 10 yof the body 7 and consists of a member 13 which is formed of smooth, comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, plastic film, such, for example, as cellophane, Pliofilm, polyethylene or Saran. For cheapness of production or fabrication, the member 13 is preferably formed of the same plastic film as the upper and lower members of the body 7. Although the member 13 is shown in the drawing as being circular, it is to be understood that the member may have any other shape or configuration. As shown in the drawing, the member 13 is materially greater in size than, and extends across, the circular opening 12 in the central portion of the upper body member 10. If the member 13 is circular as shown, it is positioned concentrically with respect to theopening 12. The inner or bottom surface of the check valve member 13 is provided with a coextensive coating 14 of any standard or conventional rubber-resin, permanently tacky, pressure sensitive ad-` hesive. In practice, it has been found that if the member 13 is formed of so-called Scotch tape, the check Valve as a whole will function or operate in the desired manner and give optimum results. The coating 14 is normally continuous, i.e. free from voids. The marginal portion of the adhesive coating is pressed firmly against the subjacent portion of the outer or top surface of the upper body member in order adhesively to connect the check valve member 13 to the container body. The central portion of the adhesive coating is designated by the reference numeral and is treated or impregnated with talc or any similar inert non-adhesive material in order to render it non-adhesive. The central portion 15 is` of slightly greater size or diameter than the opening 12 in order that the portion of the upper body member 10 that is directly outwards of the opening 12 is not in adhering or adhesively connected relation with the adhesive coating and hence is free or disconnected from the central portion of the check valve member 13. When the check valve is subject to a vacuum or subatmospheric pressure while the air in the container body is under atmospheric pressure, the member 13 due to the pressure differential moves a small distance away from the body into what,

may be termed an open position. In connection with movement of the check valve member 13 away from the container body, the continuity of the adhesive marginal portion of the coating 14 is broken and there are formed in the marginal portion of the coating minute ducts through which the air in the container body may escape. When the check valve is subjected to atmospheric pressure after vacuumizing of the container body it automatically is forced by the pressure of the surrounding or ambient air back against the opening defining portion of the body. At the end of such forcing movement on the part of the member 13 the check valve is in its closed position wherein it seals the opening 12 in the central portion of the upper body member 10. In connection with movement of the check valve member 13 into its closed position the aforementioned minute air `escape ducts are eliminated and the continuity and sealing. properties of the adhesive marginal portion of the coating 14 are reinstated. By having the portion of the upper body member 10 that is directly outwards of the opening 12 disconnected or free from the superjacent portion o-f the check valve member 13, opening of the valve in connection with `a container vacuumizing operation is materially facilitated.

It is contemplated that after the commodity to be merchandised has been inserted into the container body 7 and the fourth marginal portions of the upper and lower body members have been sealed together the container will be placed in a vacuum chamber or have a suction cupv applied over the check valve. As soon as suction is created in the chamber or cup the check valve will automatically assume its aforementioned open position and thereby result in withdrawal of air from the container body. As soon as the vacuum in the chamber or the cup is broken after vacuumizing of the interior of the conrainer body, the Vcheck valve due to the pressure of the surrounding or ambient air against the member 13 will return to its closed position wherein as previously pointed out it seals the `opening 12 and thus` maintains the vacuum in the container body 7.

The vacuum type valve-equipped container of Figures l to 3, inclusive, effectively and eiciently fulfills its intended purpose and due to the extremely simple design or l construction of the check valve 8 may be produced at a low cost. Because 'of the particular design of the check valve, the latter may be formed by way of a single piece of so-called Scotch tape.

The container which is shown in Figures 4 to 6, inelu- Sivst constitutes another or modified ,farm 0f the inves `member 10a.

tion. It serves the same purposeand operates in the same impervious, plastic film, such, for example, as Pliofilm,

polyethylene or Saran. 'Ihe marginal portions of the upper and lower body members are suitably connected together so that they are in sealed relation. The body 7a is closed throughout except for a small sized circular opening 12a in the central portion of its upper member 16a.

The check valve 8a of the container of Figures 4 to 6 inclusive, is located on top of the central portion of the upper member 10a of the body 7a and comprises a recf tangular member 13a. It is similar to the check valve 8 of the container of Figures l to 3, inclusive, except that it comprises in addition to the member 13a a smaller sized rectangular piece 16. The valve member 13a is preferably formed of cellophane although if desired it may be formed of any other comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, plastic lm, such, for example, as Pliolilm, polyethylene or Saran. It is materially greater in size than the small sized circular opening'lZa in the central portion of the upper body member 10a and embodies on its inner or bottom surface a truly coextensive coating 14a of any standard or conventional rubber-resin, permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferably, the valve member 13a is formed of apiece of socalled Scotch tape. The coating 14a is normally continuous, i.e., free of voids. The marginal portion of Vthe vadhesive coating is pressed firmly against the subjacent portion of the outer or top surface of the body member 10a in order -adhesively to connect the check valve mem ber 13 to the container body.

The rectangular piece 16 of the check valve 8a underlies the central portion of the valve member 13a and is adhesively secured thereto by way of the central portion of the coating 14. It is preferably formed of thin Saran although if desired it may be formed of any other suitable ilexible, duid impervious, plastic film, such, for example, as cellophane or polyethylene. The size of the piece 16 is preferably slightly greater than the size of the opening 12a in the central portion of the upper body The piece 16 extends over and across the opening 12a and functions as an auxiliary ap type valve. When the check valve 8a is in its open position, the piece 16 is slightly raised with respect to the opening 12a and when the check valve is'in its closed position the piece extends fully and tightly across the yopening and forms a closure or seal therefor. may be made so that it is the same in size and shapeas the opening 12a in the central portion of the upper meniber 10a of the body 7a.

When the check valve 8a moves into its open position in connection with a container body vacuumizing operation, the continuity of the adhesive marginal portion of the coating 14a is broken and there are formed in the marginal portions of the coating minute air escape ducts. When the check valve 8.a is subject to atmospheric pressure after vacuumizing of the container body, it automatically is forced by the pressure of the surrounding or ambient air back against the opening defining portion of the body. In connection with movement of the check valve into its closed position the continuity of the marf ginal portion of the adhesive coating 14a is reestablished and the Saran piece 16 which as previously pointed out serves or functions as an auxiliary flap type valve is brought ist@ sealed relation with the opening 12 If desired, the Saran piece 16- in the central portion of the upper body member a. In certain respects the piece 16 functions like the nonadhesive central portion of the coating 14 on the inner surface of the member 13 of the check valve 8 of the container of Figures l to 3, inclusive. In order to facilitate opening of the check valve 8a in connection with a container body vacuumizing operation, a small zone 17 of the marginal portion of the coating 14a may be rendered non-adhesive by treating it with talc, glycerine or any similar inert non-adhesiveV material. When such material is applied to the zone 17, it directly intermixes with, and nullies or neutralizes the tackiness of, .the portion of the adhesive coating that constitutes said zone. The latter is shown in the drawing as extending between the edge of the Saran piece 16 and the edge of the valve member 13a. When the check valve 8a is in its open position, the non-adhesive zone 17 forms in effect a small bleed duct which assists the air escape ducts in the adhesive part of the marginal portion of the coating 14a in permitting egress of air from the interior of the container body 7a. When the check valve 8a is in its closed position the non-adhesive zone 17 is pressed firmly against the subjacent portion of the upper surface of the upper valve member 10a and thus prevents air to flow past it into the container body interior. In practice, it has been found that if the non-adhesive zone 17 is made comparatively wide the air bleed duct which is formed thereby when the check valve 8a is in its open position is sufficient in size to handle the escape of all of the air from the interior of the body, and as a result there is little if any tendency to form theV aforementioned air escape ducts in the adhesive part of the marginal portion of the' coating 14a.

The valve-equipped container of Figures 4to 6, inclusive, is capable of being produced at a low cost and possesses extremely high efficiency due to the fact that the check valve 8a thereof includes the piece 16 which as previously mentioned serves as an auxiliary ap type valve for the small sized circular opening 12a in the upper body member 10a. l

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth since they may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I-lavingl thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. As a new article of manufacture, a vacuum type valve-equipped container comprisingv a hollow body formed of smooth, fluid-impervious material, adapted to contain a commodity and upon evacuation of air from its interior to form a vacuum pack for the commodity, and closed throughout except fora small sized opening in one portion thereof, and a check valve disposed exteriorly of the body and embodying a member of materially greater size than the opening, formed of comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, film-type material, positioned so that it extends across the opening and over the one portion of the body, provided on the inner surface of its marginal portion with a normally continuous coating of permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive whereby it is at all times adhesively connected directly to said one portion of the body, adapted in connection with a body vacuumizing operation by creation of a vacuum around the member and the one portion of the body automatically to assume an open position wherein it is disposed an extremely small distance away from said one portion of the body and causes the adhesive coating so to stretch or distend as to cause therein the formation of minute air escape ducts that lead from the opening to the exterior of the member, and further adaptedat the conclusion of a body vacuumizing operation and breaking of said vacuum automatically to be forced by the pressure of the ambient air back towards said one portion of the body into a closed position wherein it results in elimination of said minute air escape ducts, reestablishment of the continuity of the adhesive coating and complete sealing of said opening in the body, said check valve having the portion thereof that is opposite to, and extends a small distance outwards of, the opening in the body non-adhesive to the end that the portion of the body that is directly outwards of said opening is free and hence not adhesively connected to the check valve.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a vacuum type valve-equipped container comprising a hollow body formed of smooth, comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, plastic film, adapted to contain a commodity and upon evacuation of air from its interior to form a vacuum packk for the commodity, and closed throughout except for a small sized opening in one portion thereof, and a check valve disposed exteriorly of the body and embodying a member of materially greater size than the opening, formed of smooth comparatively thin, ilexible, fluid impervious, plastic film, positioned so that it extends across the opening and over the one portion of the body, provided on the inner surface of its marginal portion with a normally continuous coating of rubber-resin permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive whereby it is at all times adhesively connected directly to said one portion of the body, adapted in connection with a body vacuumizing operation by creation of a vacuum around the member and the one portion of the body automatically to assume an open position wherein it is disposed an extremely small distance away from said one portion of the body and causes the adhesive coating so to stretch or distend as to cause therein the formation of minute air escape ducts that lead from the opening to the exterior of the member, and further adapted at the conclusion of a body vacuumizing operation and breaking of said vacuum automatically to be forced by the pressure of the ambient air back towards said one portion of the body into a closed position wherein it results in elimination of said minute air escape ducts, reestablishment of the continuity of the adhesive coating and complete sealing of said opening in the body, said check valve having the portion thereof that is opposite to, and extends a small distance outwards of, the opening in the body non-adhesive to the end that the portion of the body that is directly outwards of said opening is free and hence not adhesively connected to the check valve.

3. As a new article of manufacture, a vacuum type valve-equipped container comprising a hollow body formed of smooth, fluid-impervious material, adapted to contain a commodity and upon evacuation of air from its interior to form a vacuum pack for the commodity,

'and closed throughout except for a small sized opening in one portion thereof, and a check valve disposed exteriorly of the body and embodying a member of materially greater size than the opening, formed of smooth, comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, lm-type material, positioned so that it extends across the opening and over the one portion of the body, provided on its inner surface with a coextensive, normally continuous coating of permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive, having the marginal portion of the coating at all times in direct adhesively connected relation with said one portion of the body, having the portion of its coating that is opposite to, and extends a small distance outwards of, the opening provided with means whereby it is rendered functionally non-adhesive to the end that the portion of the body that is directly outwards of said opening is free and hence not adhesively connected to the check valve, adapted in connection with a body vacuumizing operation by creation of a vacuum around the member and the one portion of the body automatically to assume an open position wherein it is disposed an extremely small distance away from said one portion of the body and causes the marginal portion of the adhesive coating so to stretch or distend as to cause therein the formation of minute air escape ducts that lead from the opening to the exterior of the member, and further adapted at the conclusion of a body vacuumizing operation and breaking of said vacuum automatically to be forced by the pressure of the ambient air back towards said one portion of the body into a closed position wherein it results in elimination of said minute air escape ducts, reestablishment of the continuity of said marginal portion of the adhesive coating and complete sealing of said opening in the body.

4. As a new article of manufacture, a vacuum type valve-equipped container comprising a hollow body formed of smooth, fluid-impervious material, adapted to contain a commodity and upon evacuation of air from its interior to form a vacuum pack for the commodity, and closed throughout except for a small sized opening in one portion thereof, and a check valve disposed exteriorly of the body and embodying a Vmember of materially greater size than the opening, formed of smooth, comparatively thin, ilexible, fluid impervious film-type material, positioned so that it extends across the opening and over the one portion of the body, provided on its inner surface Iwith a coextensive, normally continuous coating of permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive, having the marginal portion of the coating at al-l times in direct adhesively connected relation with said one portion of the body/,having the portion of its coating that is opposite to, and extends a small distance outwards of said opening intermixed with iiuidal inert material so that it is itself rendered non-adhesive and hence the portion of the body that is directly outwards of the said opening is free and not in adhesively connected relation with the coating, adapted in connection with a body vacuumizing operation by creation of a vacuum around the member and the one portion of the body automatically to assume an open position wherein it is disposed an extremely small distance away from said one portion of the body and causes said marginal portion of the adhesive coating so to stretch or distend as to cause therein the formation of minute air escape ducts that lead from the opening to the exterior of the member, and further adapted at the conclusion of a body vacuumizing operation and breaking of said vacuum automatically to be forced by the pressure of the ambient air back towards said one portion of the body into a closed position wherein it results in elimination of said minute air escape ducts, reestablishment of the continuity of said marginal portion of the adhesive coating and complete sealing of said opening in the body.

5. As a new article of manufacture, a vacuum type valve-equipped container comprising a hollow body formed of smooth, duid-impervious material, adapted to contain a commodity and upon evacuation of air from its interior to form a vacuum pack for the commodity, and closed throughout except for a small sized opening in one portion thereof, and a check valve disposed exteriorly of the body and embodying a member of materially greater size than the opening, formed of smooth, comparatively thin, flexible, fluid impervious, iilrn-type material, positioned so that it extends across the opening and over the one portion of the body, provided on its inner surface with a coextensive, normally continuous coating of permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive, having the marginal portion of the coating at all times in direct adhesively connected relation with said one portion of the body, adapted in connection with a body vacuumizing operation by creation of a vacuum aroundl the member and the one portion of the body automatically to assume an open position wherein it is disposed an extremely small distance away from said one portion of the body and causes said marginal portion of the adhesive coating so to stretch or distend as to cause therein the formation of minute air escape ducts that lead from the opening to the exterior of the member, and further adapted at the conclusion of a body vacuumizing operation and breaking of said vacuum automatically to be forced by the pressure of the ambient air back towards said one portion of the body into a closed position wherein it results in elimination of said minute air escape ducts, reestablishment of the continuity of said marginal portion of the adhesive coating and complete sealing of said opening inthe body,`said check valve also embodying an imperforate piece of greater size-than the opening but of smaller size than the member, said piece being formed of smooth, thin, iiexible, fluid impervious, nlm-type material and positioned between and across the centi-a1 portion of the member and the hole defining portion of the body, having the surface thereof that is nearer said member adhesively connected to the central portion of the adhesive coating', and forming an auxiliary llap type valve for said opening.

6. A container accordingl to claim 5 and wherein the adhesive coating is of the rubber-resin type and the check valve piece is formed of material having the properties and characteristics of Saran.

7. As a new article of manufacture, a vacuum type valve-equipped container comprising a hollow body formed of smooth, fluid-impervious material, adapted to contain a commodity and upon evacuation of air from its interior to` form a vacuum pack for the commodity, and closed throughout except for a small sized opening in one portion thereof, and a check valve disposed exteriorly of the body and embodying a member of materially greater size than the opening, formed of smooth, comparatively thin, flexible, uid impervious, film-type material, positioned so that it extends across the opening and over the one portion of the body, provided on the inner surface of its marginal portion with a normally continuous coating of permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive whereby it is at all times directly adhesively connected to said one portion of the body, adapted in connection with a lbody vacuumizing operation by creation of a vacuum around the member and the one portion of the body automatically to assume an open position wherein it is disposed an extremely small distance away from said one portion of the body and causes the adhesive coating so to stretch or distend as to cause therein the formation of minute ai-r escape ducts that lead from the opening to the exterior of the member, and further adapted at the conclusion of a body vacuumizing operation and breaking of said vacuum automatically `to be forced by the pressure'of the ambient air bac-k towards said oney portion of the body into a closed position wherein it results in elimination of said minute air escape ducts, reestablishment of the continuity of the adhesive coating and complete sealing of said opening in the body, said check valve having a portion thereof that is opposite to, and extends a small distance outwards of, the opening in the body non-adhesive to the end that the portion of the body that is directly outwards of said opening is free and hence not adhesively connected to the check valve, said coating having a part or zone thereof intermixed with inert fluidal material so as to render it non-adhesive and form an air bleed duct which leads from the hole to the exterior of the member and, when the member is in its open position in connection with a body vacuumizing operation, assists said minute air escape ducts in permitting egress of air from the body interior.

8. As a new article of manufacture, a vacuum type valve-equipped container comprising a hollow body formed of smooth, duid-impervious material, adapted to contain a commodity and upon evacuation of air from its interior to form a vacuum pack for the commodity, and closed throughout except for a small sized opening in one portion thereof, and a check valve disposed exteriorly `of the body and .embodying a member of .materially greater ksize than the opening, formed of smooth, cornparatively thin, exible, fluid impervious, nlm-type material, positioned -s'o that it extends across the opening andvover the one portion of the body, provided on its inner surface -with a coextensive, normally continuous coating of permanently tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive, having the marginal portion of the coating at all times in direct adhesively connected relation with said one portion of the body, adapted in connection with a body vacuumizing operation by creation of a vacuum around the member and the one portion of the body automatically to assume an open position wherein it is disposed an extremely small distance away from said one portion of the body and causes said marginal portion of the adhesive coating so to stretch or destend as to cause therein the formation of minute air escape ducts that lead from the opening to the exterior of the member, and further adapted at the conclusion of a body vacummizing operation and breaking of said vacuum automatically to be forced by the pressure of the ambient air back towards said one portion of the body into a closed position wherein it results in elimination of said minute air escape ducts, reestablishment of the continuity of said marginal portion of the adhesive coating and complete sealing of said opening in the body, said check valve also embodying an imperforate piece of greater size than the opening but of smaller size than the member, said piece being formed of thin, exible, fluid impervious, film-type materal and positioned between and across the central portion of the member and the hole defining portion of the body, having the surface thereof that is nearer said member adhesively connected to the central portion of the adhesive coating, and forming an auxiliary flap type valve for said opening, said marginal portion of the coating having a part or zone thereof intermixed with uidal inert material so as to render it non-adhesive and form an air bleed duct which leads from an edge portion of the check valve piece to the exterior of the member and, when the member is in its open position during a body vacuumizing operation, assists said minute air Vescape ducts in permitting egress of air from the body interior.

References Cited in the ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,536,341 Hogdson May 5, 1925 1,536,345 Jones May 5, 1925 2,361,344 Yates Oct. 24, 1944 2,371,985 Freiberg Mar. 20, 1945 2,400,406 Godoy May 14, 1946 2,638,263 JeSng May 12, 1953 2,738,916 Peters Mar. 20, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 393,199 Great Britain June 7, 1933 

